There really is a prairie...

After a slow start yesterday morning (grading some papers, showering, walking dog), we headed out on the trails in the park.  We took the Lake Trail to the visitors center (and yes, we can  vouch for the fact that there are alligators in the lake) where we climbed the observation tower to look out over Paynes Prairie itself.

According to the information in the visitors center, there are horses, bison, and alligators out there, but we didn't see any of those from the tower.  However, we were able to see some sandhill crane.  Other than that, birding has been a bit of a disappointment here: just several types of woodpecker, crows, and a catbird.  Weather continues warm but overcast.

Ranger is a dirty happy dog. ...and was a tired guy last night after about 5 miles of hiking.